Immigration-Themed Youth Literature - by Danielle E Sachdeva (Hardcover)

About the Book

As the US immigrant population rises, this book guides librarians, K-12 teachers, and higher education faculty toward new ways of exploring immigration-themed children's literature in the classroom and library.

Book Synopsis

As the US immigrant population rises, this book guides librarians, K-12 teachers, and higher education faculty toward new ways of exploring immigration-themed children's literature in the classroom and library.

The United States is a nation of immigrants, and the millions of US immigrant youth deserve books that represent and reflect their experiences. Culturally responsive teachers and librarians can serve these young people and facilitate their sense of belonging by providing immigration-themed literature in classrooms and libraries. Meanwhile, US-born children can expand their understanding of immigration by learning from the diverse array of immigrant experiences represented in contemporary books.

Chapters written by youth literature experts from schools and universities across the United States support K-12 teachers, school and public librarians, graduate students, and higher education faculty by

- identifying high-quality contemporary immigration-themed literature
- investigating what readers can learn from this literature
- integrating this literature into instruction

Immigration-Themed Youth Literature fills the gap in resources on contemporary immigration-themed literature and is a valuable tool for advancing educators' and librarians' professional learning. Each chapter provides a diverse perspective on reading and teaching immigration-themed literature.

Review Quotes

"With references to current immigration issues in the United States, deep dives into research on diversity in children's and YA literature, and discussions of engaging and relevant teaching strategies, Sachdeva's Immigration-Themed Youth Literature offers teachers insight into how to work with students from around the world. Critical literacy, active reading, project-based learning, discussion techniques, and building empathy and confidence are among the topics presented by the authors in this book, many of whom have first-hand experience of being immigrants themselves. Educators will learn how to move beyond stories based on colonialism theory to consider post-colonialism's impact on perspectives in systemic dynamics and social functioning. There are several chapters on working with pre-service teachers and providing full-time teachers with professional development on immigration themes. Further, each chapter includes a thorough list of research sources and children's and YA titles. Sachveda et al. have provided an essential text that will be used for years to come as educators continue to negotiate a changing world and changing classrooms." --Sue Corbin, PhD, Former Board Member, International Literacy Association, USA

"Immigration-Themed Youth Literature is both a clarion call and a guide for transformation. This volume harnesses the power of children's literature to mold resilient minds and empower communities, even amid policies that strip our schools of safe havens. Blending rich theoretical perspectives with powerful narratives, it inspires educators to reclaim schools as sanctuaries of diverse voices. Its urgency motivates us to resist attempts to silence immigrant stories of struggle and courage. A vital resource for those who believe in transformative storytelling, this book equips us to guide students toward a future where diversity is celebrated, and each child's voice heard." --Samantha Hull, PhD, MSLS, Public School Librarian, Pennsylvania, USA; Graduate Library Science Instructor; Advocate for Intellectual Freedom in School Libraries

About the Author

Danielle Sachdeva, PhD, is Professor of Literacy and Elementary Education at the University of North Georgia, USA.